Development of an intentional rounding protocol for nursing undergraduates to apply in clinical practice

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop an intentional rounding protocol to enhance the clinical competence of nursing students. Methods: An intentional rounding protocol for nursing students’ clinical practice was developed following the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model. A convenient sampling method was used to select 23 junior year university nursing students during their clinical practice in adult nursing. The program evaluation included a quantitative assessment (communication and relationship efficacy, empathy, and patient safety competency) and focus group interviews. Results: The intentional rounding protocol focused on the 4Ps (pain, position, potty, and possessions) and encompassed aspects such as level of consciousness, pain management, personal care needs, intravenous injection, oxygen administration, nasogastric/nasoenteric tube care, maintenance of urine collection bags, and the identification of environmental fall risks. Nursing students performed intentional rounding at least twice a day. Following the implementation of this protocol, nursing students demonstrated a significant improvement in communication and interpersonal efficacy. The focus group interviews revealed four main themes: growth of human relationships, acquiring knowledge in and about the clinical field, becoming a nurse, and barriers in reality. Conclusion: The intentional rounding protocol has the potential to enhance nursing students’ communication and interpersonal skills during clinical practice and to provide them with positive experiences in nursing clinical education. Therefore, it is recommended that this protocol be incorporated into nursing clinical practice education.